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Book Discussion on "Modi and the World: The Ring View Inside Out"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landslide victory in the general elections in May 2014 provided the potential for creating a broader framework for a bold and assertive foreign policy towards the South Asian region and beyond. In the last 18 months and more, India’s foreign policy challenges and opportunities have undergone change, influenced by rapid developments in the global situation, ranging from rising fundamentalism in West Asia to sharper territorial claims in the East. This has caused the Modi government to adopt a proactive, multi-faceted foreign policy, with a strong emphasis on improving relations with countries in the immediate and extended neighbourhood.

As Prime Minister Modi completes his second year in office, there are several questions that merit elucidation. What will be the Prime Minister’s foreign policy objectives and priorities in 2016? How can he ensure peace and security in India’s immediate neighbourhood, amid myriad domestic economic and political challenges? Looking forward, what are prospects for India’s bilateral relations with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka? Can PM engage China with a greater sense of confidence on the boundary issue and, at the same time, explore greater economic engagement? Has India been able to deepen her strategic partnership with Russia and Japan? How can PM, Mr Modi maximize India’s policy options in the Gulf and West Asia?

In this context, IDSA will host a panel discussion on the theme ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Foreign Policy: Challenges & Opportunities in Asia’ against the backdrop of the recently released book, Modi and The World: The Ring View Inside Out.